Carver Bancorp, Inc., a historic institution dedicated to empowering underserved communities in New York City, has announced the appointment of Donald Felix as its new President and CEO, effective November 1, 2024. This appointment marks a significant milestone for Carver, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and designated Minority Depository Institution (MDI). Felix brings a wealth of experience to this role, having spent over 25 years in the banking industry, holding leadership positions at prominent institutions like Citizens Financial Group, JPMorgan Chase, and Citi.
Felix’s impressive career has been marked by his focus on driving profitability, expanding deposit bases, and delivering innovative solutions in digital banking. In his previous role at Citizens Financial Group, he successfully increased profitability and grew deposits by $3 billion. This experience, coupled with his deep understanding of consumer banking, wealth management, corporate banking, and investment banking, will be invaluable as he leads Carver into its next chapter.
Felix’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search conducted by Carver’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Craig C. MacKay, an independent director since February 2017, who has served as Interim President and CEO since October 2023. MacKay will continue his service as a member of the Carver Board.
“Don Felix has an outstanding record of executive experience and achievement in the banking industry,” said Lewis P. Jones III, Chairman of the Board. “His expertise will help Carver achieve its strategic objective to create new revenue streams and further enhance shareholder value. He will fulfill Carver’s mission of expanding access to capital in the communities it serves. On behalf of the Bank, our customers, and valued community partners, I welcome Don to the Carver family and look forward to his contributions in the months and years ahead. I also want to thank Craig for his vital work and leadership in serving as Interim President and CEO with distinction over the past year.”
“I have known Don Felix for over a decade—and I am confident he has the strategic and operational expertise to elevate the banking experience for our customers, expand our community relationships, drive technological enhancements at the Bank, and enhance profitability for our shareholders,” said Craig C. MacKay, Interim President and CEO. “It has been an honor to serve as Interim President and CEO. I want to thank my colleagues at Carver, our customers, and banking partners for their unwavering support of our institution during my tenure.”
Felix expressed his enthusiasm for this new opportunity, highlighting Carver’s impactful legacy in economic empowerment for over seven decades. “Carver has been a driving force in economic empowerment in Greater New York City for more than seven decades doing some of the most impact-driven work in banking,” said Incoming President and CEO Donald Felix. “I look forward to advancing Carver’s growth, creating value for our stakeholders, and promoting greater financial inclusion and economic mobility. We will continue to play a central role in ensuring we meet the evolving needs of consumers and helping our communities thrive. I want to thank Lewis, Craig, and the Board for their incredible support and encouragement. I deeply respect the executives and employees who have built this incredible financial institution. Working together with the team and our partners, I know Carver’s best days lie ahead.”
Felix’s commitment to Carver’s mission stems from his deep connection to the communities the bank serves. As a first-generation Caribbean-American, he was born and raised in New York City, where he has been actively involved in civic engagement throughout his life.
Founded in 1948, Carver has a long history of serving historically underserved communities in New York City, providing access to mainstream financial services for residents, businesses, and institutions. The U.S. Treasury Department has recognized Carver’s dedication to community development by designating it a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Carver is also one of the largest African- and Caribbean-American-managed banks in the United States.
Carver’s online banking services, which include consumer checking and savings accounts, extend across nine states, from Massachusetts to Virginia and Washington, DC.
Felix’s leadership and experience, combined with Carver’s legacy of serving diverse communities, promise a bright future for the institution. His appointment signals a continued commitment to empowering underserved communities, expanding access to financial services, and driving economic growth in New York City and beyond.
